Community members urge Elwha name for Stevens Middle School in public comments

Two members of the community asked the Port Angeles School District Board of Directors to rename Stevens Middle School to reflect the nearby Elwha River and the cultural importance of the waterway during public comment on Aug. 21.

Louis Bennett, who identified himself as a substitute teacher in Port Angeles and a retired teacher from Texas, urged the board to adopt Elwha River Middle School, saying he had attended a Paddle the Elwha event and experienced the river’s cultural significance to the Lower Elwha Klallam people. He said renaming would be an act of recognition and respect.

Carmen Watson Charles, who identified herself as a former Stevens Middle School student and the district’s Native American Liaison, also submitted written comments and asked the board to consider Elwha (her written remarks clarified that using the plain form “Elwha River Middle School” or “Elwha Middle School” would avoid confusion with the tribal name Lower Elwha Klallam). She wrote that the Elwha River is central to local ecology and curriculum and that the name would honor local heritage.

Karen, a staff member, said the board had received a packet of correspondence on the middle school name change and that one writer had requested their comments be read during the public comment period. The board’s agenda lists a future discussion/action item for a Stevens Middle School naming decision; staff said that item will appear on a future meeting agenda for board consideration.

The public comment remarks were read into the record; board members did not take immediate action on the naming item during the Aug. 21 meeting and indicated the naming decision will be discussed at a future session.